Megan didn’t know it when she rolled out of bed that morning, but her life was about to flip—in the best, sparkly-ring kind of way. Bryce had been secretly scheming with me behind the scenes (don’t worry, in the sweet way, not the shady kind) to plan the perfect surprise wedding proposal on the beach in La Jolla, California. Cue the butterflies.

We landed on this dreamy little slice of sand for the big moment—a hidden beach that’s equal parts “rom-com level romance” and “hello, jaw-dropping ocean views.” But here’s the thing most people don’t realize: some La Jolla beaches basically disappear at high tide. Yep, this one turns into a puddle. That’s why timing your La Jolla proposal around the tides is everything. Beach engagement photos don’t hit quite the same if you’re knee-deep in sea foam.

Anyway—Bryce had casually set up restaurant plans nearby, so a morning beach walk? Totally normal. Totally chill. Totally not a setup for an epic, heart-melting proposal.

Spoiler: She Said Yes

As you can see… Megan. Had. No. Idea. The shock? Real. The happy tears? Flowing. The “wait, is this really happening?” moment? 100% priceless. After she said yes (with all the joy and disbelief you’d expect from a surprise wedding proposal on the beach), we rolled right into some post-proposal engagement photos—because when the lighting is golden and the love is this good, you take the dang photos.

Planning a Surprise Wedding Proposal in La Jolla?

If you’re thinking about pulling off a surprise wedding proposal in San Diego, especially along the La Jolla coast, let’s chat. I’ll help you find the perfect low tide-friendly spot (because wet socks are not romantic), plan the timing, and capture every single second—from the “wait, what’s happening?” to the “oh my gosh YES.”

Whether it’s beach engagement photos, proposal photography, or just a quiet, once-in-a-lifetime moment you want frozen in time—I’m here for it.

Let’s make some magic (and maybe cry happy tears together). 💍

Lisa G (Elle G) is a San Diego beach photographer based in Pacific Beach, CA. Proudly serving San Diego’s coastal communities: La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Mission Beach, Mission Bay, Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach, Point Loma and Coronado. 858-344-1068. To chat about booking your own engagement session, click HERE.